Esther: God’s Invisible Hand – Helen Clarke

The biographical details of the author indicate she became a Christian at the age of sixteen, followed a career in nursing for fifteen years and, in her spare time, has been involved in youth work. She is married and lives in South Africa. Esther is the latest in a series of four books, all written by Helen Clarke, and promoted under the general title of ‘Pocket Bible people’. The other three are Ruth and two on Simon Peter. The four books are aimed at a younger readership of about secondary school age.

In this volume the author closely follows the narrative of the book of Esther giving background historical details as well as explaining a number of Biblical terms that those not familiar with the scriptures might not readily understand. The thirteen chapters are short and easy to read. Most chapters are broken up with a ‘Message for today’ paragraph in which the teaching of Esther is applied to contemporary issues facing young people today. Matters considered in this way include ‘Alcohol’, ‘Sex’, ‘Spreading gossip’, and ‘Boasting’, to name but a few. Each chapter concludes with a ‘Think tank’ which seeks to practically apply the lessons learnt. All Bible quotations are from the New International Version. It is written in a lively style, calculated to appeal to young people. One of my daughters read the book, enjoyed it, and expressed an interest in reading others of the series.

[Our thanks to Richard Catchpole, South Norwood, England, for this review]